Okmulgee Child Custody Lawyer

Okmulgee Child Custody Attorney

For loving parents, nothing matters more than protecting their parental rights. During a divorce, your access to your children may appear uncertain at times. Working with an Okmulgee child custody lawyer can be vital to the success of your child custody case. Legal representation in family court can be one of the most consequential decisions you make when it comes to protecting your parental rights.

Eagan Law Office, PLLC, has helped many parents navigate the family court process with favorable outcomes. Our lawyers understand the state’s family court laws and are prepared to argue your case in court if necessary.

Why Choose Eagan Law Office, PLLC?

Many residents in Okmulgee have learned to rely on the legal services of Eagan Law Office, PLLC. Our legal team is prepared to handle any of your family court-related needs. When it comes to child custody cases, experience matters.

Once we understand your goals and concerns, we can formulate a legal strategy tailored to your goals. We always keep our clients fully updated on any updates and progress related to their cases, and we take the time to fully explain your legal options and rights along the way, allowing you to make informed decisions.

Legal Versus Physical Custody

There are two main types of child custody in Oklahoma: legal and physical. Parents may have sole or joint custody of either type depending on the outcome of a child custody case. Legal custody refers to one or both parents’ abilities to make important decisions on behalf of their children.

Legal custody gives a parent the decision-making authority to choose where their child goes to school, which doctor they see, and which type of religious education they receive. If one parent has sole legal custody over their child, it gives them the authority to make those decisions without the approval of anyone else, including the other parent.

In many cases, legal custody is held jointly between both parents unless one parent opts out of that designation or is unsuited for shared legal custody. Physical custody refers to the legal right to have access to and possession of a child. Most parents have some form of joint physical custody agreement with their children, although that does not automatically mean they necessarily share 50-50 custody.

Establishing and Enforcing Custody

Biological mothers are presumed to be the lawful parents of their child or children, while fathers only have automatic rights when they are or were married to the mother. In cases where a father was never married to the biological mother, the father would need to petition the court for a child custody agreement. This can be done with the help of an attorney who can establish paternity and request the father be given custodial and physical rights to his child.

More commonly, child custody is established during the course of a divorce. Before a judge signs off on a final divorce decree, they will ensure both parents have reached an agreement on how to co-parent their child following the divorce. When both parents reach an agreement on a co-parenting plan, the courts generally honor it. During a custody case, attorneys can play an important role, both as advocates for their client’s goals and as protectors of their client’s rights.

If both parents are unable to reach an agreement on custody, a judge may ultimately make those decisions for the parents. Once a child custody order is signed by a judge, it is binding. Any parent who violates the terms of the order could face serious penalties, including being found in contempt of court. If one parent believes the court order is being violated, they can work with their attorney to set a custody hearing to enforce their visitation rights.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Custody Battle Cost in Oklahoma?

A: Every custody case is different. The total cost of a custody case will include court fees, server processing costs, legal fees, and other court-related costs. Parents can save time and money by hiring an experienced family law attorney who understands how to efficiently navigate the court system. Without adequate legal representation, parents risk making errors that could work against their goals.

Q: What Type of Custody Costs the Most?

A: Seeking sole custody when the other parent is fit and willing to co-parent could be financially costly. Parenting is a fundamental right in this country, and the courts are unlikely to restrict the rights of the other parent absent evidence of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Your family law attorney can be a trusted source of counsel when deciding the optimal course of action for your custody case.

Q: Is Oklahoma a 50/50 State for Child Custody?

A: Oklahoma is one of a small but growing number of states that have a default 50-50 standard when it comes to child custody. This means a couple going through a divorce should expect to split parenting time evenly. Parents may opt out of this agreement if they each agree, and a court may find that one parent is not able or is unfit to parent their child for half of the year.

Q: Can You Get a Court-Appointed Attorney for Child Custody in Oklahoma?

A: It is highly unlikely to be given a court-appointed lawyer for any family law matter. The right to a court-appointed attorney is solely for criminal cases. During a divorce, a judge may order one spouse to pay part or all of their partner’s legal fees, but even those requests are not commonly granted. Any parent seeking an attorney for child custody matters should be prepared to pay for legal representation.

Schedule Your Child Custody Consultation Today

Whether you are going through a divorce or seeking custody rights for the first time, having experienced legal representation can greatly improve the odds of a favorable outcome to your case. At Eagan Law Office, PLLC, we understand the stress that can accompany a child custody case.

That’s why we only take on clients we have the time and resources to effectively represent. Our sole focus will be to protect your parental rights and advocate for your interests and goals. Contact our office today to speak with a member of our legal team.